Eddisbury’s MP has warned residents to secure their properties following figures for the area which show almost 12 claims for burglary were made per 1,000 home insurance quotes over the past two years.

Antoinette Sandbach has urged people living in her constituency – which includes Audlem, Bunbury, Bickerton, Worleston and Wrenbury – to reduce the likelihood of being broken into by following five ‘top tips’:

Always keep doors and windows locked when your home is unoccupied and when you’re asleep at night

Install timers on your lights so they come on when you’re not at home

Ensure items of value are kept away from easy view through windows and don’t leave house or car keys where they can be reached through a letterbox

Install and use a suitable alarm system and join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Ensure your home contents insurance is fully up to date and provides enough cover for all your belongings.

The advice follows the launch of MoneySuperMarket’s annual burglary claims tracker, where people can find out whether they live in a high risk area.

MoneySuperMarket’s data – which looked at two million home insurance quotes run over the last two years – shows that Eddisbury has a rate of 11.9 such claims per 1,000 quotes.

MP Sandbach said: “Despite burglaries in Eddisbury being below the national average, MoneySuperMarket’s research highlights that people must remain vigilant to protect their homes from theft.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Burglars have two thoughts uppermost in their minds: where am I most likely to find something worth stealing and where am I least likely to get caught?

“Our findings suggest thieves favour busy urban areas where strangers are unlikely to be spotted and it’s easy to make a quick getaway.

“But leafy suburbs are also heavily targeted, with burglars following the money to affluent areas.

“The best way to avoid the emotional turmoil and financial distress associated with a burglary is to be vigilant, make a concerted effort to secure your home and put in place the safety net of appropriate contents insurance in case the worst should happen.”